Formula Formulas that nourish the Heart and calm the Mind

Bai Zi Yang Xin Tang

柏子养心汤

Also known as:

Arborvitae Seed Pill to Nourish the Heart , Biota Seeds Pill to Nourish the Heart

Formula Composition

Bai Zi Ren
Bai Zi Ren
Xuan Shen
Xuan Shen
Shu Di huang
Shu Di huang
Fu Shen
Fu Shen
Gou Qi Zi
Gou Qi Zi
Mai Dong
Mai Dong
Dang Gui
Dang Gui
Shi Chang Pu
Shi Chang Pu
Gan Cao
Gan Cao
View detailed herb information
King
Main ingredient
Deputies
Assists main
Assistants
Supports
Envoy
Directs formula

Formula Properties

Main Actions

  1. Reinforces and strengthens Heart Qi
  2. Calms the Mind
  3. Nourishes and moistens the Heart Blood
  4. Tonifies the Kidney Yin

Patterns Treated

Heart Blood Deficiency, Heart Qi Deficiency, Kidneys And Heart Not Harmonized, Kidney Yin Deficiency

Historical Origin

Compilation of Materials of Benevolence for the Body (1549 AD)

Explore More About This Formula

TCM Actions & Uses Formula Ingredients Contraindications

TCM Actions & Uses

Traditional Chinese Medicine properties and applications of Bai Zi Yang Xin Tang

Main Actions

Reinforces and strengthens Heart Qi
Calms the Mind
Nourishes and moistens the Heart Blood
Tonifies the Kidney Yin

Key TCM Concepts

Bai Zi Yang Xin Tang is a 9-ingredient Chinese Medicine formula with Biota Seeds (Bai Zi Ren) as a principal ingredient.

 

Invented in 1549 AD, it belongs to the category of formulas that nourish the Heart and calm the Mind. Its main actions are: 1) reinforces and strengthens Heart Qi and 2) calms the Mind.

 

In Chinese Medicine health conditions are thought to arise due to "disharmonies" in the body as a system. These disharmonies are called "patterns" and the very purpose of herbal formulas is to fight them in order to restore the body's harmony.

 

In this case Bai Zi Yang Xin Tang is used by TCM practitioners to fight patterns like Heart Blood Deficiency, Heart Qi Deficiency or Kidneys And Heart Not Harmonized. From a Western Medicine standpoint, such patterns can give rise to a range of conditions such as disorientation, severe palpitations or continuous palpitations for instance.

TCM Patterns Addressed

  • Heart Blood Deficiency
  • Heart Qi Deficiency
  • Kidneys And Heart Not Harmonized
  • Kidney Yin Deficiency

Common Applications

Disorientation Severe palpitations Continuous palpitations Dreamdisturbed sleep Forgetfulness Night sweats Nocturnal emission Insomnia Anxiety

Ingredients in Bai Zi Yang Xin Tang

Detailed information about each herb in Bai Zi Yang Xin Tang and their roles

Kings
Deputies
Assistants
Envoys
Bai Zi Ren
Bai Zi Ren

Biota seeds

Temperature Neutral
Taste Sweet
Organ Affinity Heart, Kidneys, Large Intestine
Parts Used Dried ripe seeds
Role in Bai Zi Yang Xin Tang
Bai Zi Ren nourishes the Heart and calms the Mind. It is particularly indicated for the treatment of palpitations.
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Xuan Shen
Xuan Shen

Ningpo figwort roots

Temperature Cold
Taste Bitter
Organ Affinity Large Intestine, Liver, Stomach
Parts Used Dried rhizome
Role in Bai Zi Yang Xin Tang
In general Xuan Shen's main actions are as follows: "Expels true or Internal Heat and cools the Blood. Tonifies the Yin. Reduces inflammations and drains Fire toxicity. Reduces hard nodules, especially associated with the lymph."

In the context of Bai Zi Yang Xin Tang, it is used because it enrich the Yin and clear Empty Heat from Deficiency.
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Shu Di huang
Shu Di huang

Prepared rehmannia

Temperature Warm
Taste Sweet
Organ Affinity Kidneys, Liver
Parts Used Prepared dried root tuber
Role in Bai Zi Yang Xin Tang
In general Shu Di huang's main actions are as follows: "Tonifies the Blood. Tonifies the Yin of the Kidneys."

In the context of Bai Zi Yang Xin Tang, it is used because it Tonifies the Blood and tonifies the Yin of the Kidneys.
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Fu Shen
Fu Shen

Host-wood Poria

Temperature Neutral
Taste Sweet
Organ Affinity Spleen, Heart
Parts Used The part of the mushroom that is attached to the host-wood, dried
Role in Bai Zi Yang Xin Tang
In general Fu Shen's main actions are as follows: "Calms the Mind (Shen) and promote urination."

In the context of Bai Zi Yang Xin Tang, it is used because it Calms the Mind and promote urination.
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Gou Qi Zi
Gou Qi Zi

Goji berries

Temperature Neutral
Taste Sweet
Organ Affinity Kidneys, Liver
Parts Used Dried ripe fruit
Role in Bai Zi Yang Xin Tang
In general Gou Qi Zi's main actions are as follows: "Tonifies the Yin of the Liver and Yin of the Kidneys. Brightens the eyes. Moistens the Lungs."

In the context of Bai Zi Yang Xin Tang, it is used because it tonifies the Yin of the Liver and Yin of the Kidneys.
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Mai Dong
Mai Dong

Dwarf lilyturf roots

Temperature Cool
Taste Bitter, Sweet
Organ Affinity Heart, Lungs, Stomach
Parts Used Dried root tuber
Role in Bai Zi Yang Xin Tang
Mai Dong replenishes Kidney Yin Essence and promotes secretions. It also lubricates and nourishes the Stomach as well as soothes the Lung and nourishes the Heart.
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Dang Gui
Dang Gui

Dong quai

Temperature Warm
Taste Pungent, Sweet
Organ Affinity Heart, Liver, Spleen
Parts Used Dried root
Role in Bai Zi Yang Xin Tang
In general Dang Gui's main actions are as follows: "Tonifies the Blood. Lubricates the Intestines. Relieve constipation. Promotes circulation and dispels Bi Pain. Reduce Dysmenorrhea and help with irregular menstruation."

In the context of Bai Zi Yang Xin Tang, it is used because it tonifies the Blood, lubricates the Intestines and relieve constipation.
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Shi Chang Pu
Shi Chang Pu

Sweetflag rhizomes

Temperature Warm
Taste Bitter
Organ Affinity Stomach, Heart, Liver
Parts Used Dried rhizome
Role in Bai Zi Yang Xin Tang
In general Shi Chang Pu's main actions are as follows: "Opens the Orifices, awakens the Mind (Shen) and expels Wind-Damp Phlegm. Harmonizes the Earth element and dispels Damp. Applied internally or externally for Wind-Cold-Damp painful obstruction."

In the context of Bai Zi Yang Xin Tang, it is used because it opens the Orifices, awakens the Mind and expels Wind-Damp Phlegm. .
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Gan Cao
Gan Cao

Liquorice

Temperature Neutral
Taste Sweet
Organ Affinity Heart, Lungs, Spleen, Stomach
Parts Used Dried root and rhizome
Role in Bai Zi Yang Xin Tang
In general Gan Cao's main actions are as follows: "Tonifies the Basal Qi and nourishes the Spleen Qi. Clears Heat and dispels toxicity. Moistens the Lungsexpel phlegm and stop coughing. Relieves spasms and alleviates pain. Harmonizes and moderates the effects of other herbs."

In the context of Bai Zi Yang Xin Tang, it is used because it harmonizes all the ingredients of the formula.
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Safety & Contraindications

Important safety information and precautions for Bai Zi Yang Xin Tang

This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before using any TCM herbal formula.

Contraindications

Contraindicated for Spleen and Stomach weakness with tendency to bloat, loose stools, edema and fluid retention. This is because the ingredients in this formula are Cold and rich.

Herb-Drug Interactions

Like many TCM formulas, Bai Zi Yang Xin Tang may interact with certain medications. If you are taking any prescription medications, we recommend consulting with a healthcare provider knowledgeable in herb-drug interactions.